19 January 2011

Closet Challenge: Purple Skirt

A few weeks ago one of my friends left the following comment on this here blog: "I am looking forward to you coming over and telling me how to wear all these random pieces in my own closet! Help!"

That comment got me thinking (actually that comment and a very brilliant suggestion from Lexi). Why not start a semi-regular segment where real world friends and bloggy friends submit "difficult" pieces of clothing? I’ll then accept the challenge and figure out how to style each piece. Fun right? Right. So here we go.

For the pilot closet challenge episode, I decided to go back to the inspiration herself.  I asked Olivia of Of Such is the Kingdom if she really did have any problem pieces to submit.  She quickly responded, "My purple skirt. I bought it for $2.50 at Ann Taylor Loft--it's a size too big, so it sits on my hips, but I can't figure out how to wear it or what to wear it with?"

Here is said "Low on the Hips Sitting Purple Skirt"

These are the looks that I've come up with for Miss Olivia:

A Night on the Town

I feel like this purple skirt would work perfectly with an ultra feminine floral blouse.  She mentioned that it might be a little big, so I wonder if using the silver chain belt to give it a paper bag type waistband might work? However, if that looks too bunchy, and it must be worn at the hips than the blouse can be untucked and belted at her natural waist for a more flattering and current silhouette.
The tailored black leather jacket is cut a bit longer just in case we're going with the "skirt at the hips" scenario.  It also counteracts the ultra girlyness of the blouse, skirt and stockings with a little bit of an edge.

A Day at the Museum
Knowing Miss Olivia the way I do, I had to give her another option for that purple skirt.  She's an uber fun and creative Mommy who is always taking her adorable brood on adventures around our fair city.  Here's a look that's a bit more casual and probably a more comfortable for a day at the Creative Discovery Museum or perhaps a mandatory stop at the playground.  The ballet slipper inspired flats reminded me of Olivia the moment I saw them and I know those green accessories will just pop against her beautiful eyes and blond hair.  Plus who doesn't want to wear a pink rose cocktail ring?
(I snuck a denim jacket in there for you, Olivia)


You really should stop by and say "hello" to Miss Olivia today.  Every Wednesday she hosts a Fashion Wednesday Link Up at her blog Of Such is the Kingdom.  Stop by and show off your style!
Do you have an item in your closet that absolutely challenges you?
Drop me a line and we'll feature your item on a future Closet Challenge!

14 comments:

m_b said...

i have so many "challenging" items that i refuse to part with...s they end up sitting in the closet all sad and stuff :( i will send you a problem piece soon!

p.s i have a cute giveaway today if you're interested in sparkly things!
xoxo
marissa

Unknown said...

What a great idea honey, love this! Love your choices although I am rather afraid of patterned tights. I also think this skirt would work with a fitted white button up shirt for a simpler look. Can't wait to see more of these. Have a great week honey. axx

In Kinsey's Closet said...

This is such a great idea! I definitely have a few pieces in my closet that I haven't figured out how to style yet! I need your help too Molly!!

Anonymous said...

I really like the night out outfit. Great ideas! Where did the pink flower cocktail ring come from? I love it!

Teresa said...

I love the black blouse. I need to find a less expensive alternative.

Olivia said...

So cool! I got chills reading this post, Molly! You are awesome! Now if you could just take all the rest of my pieces and do the same thing. I'm going to be on the lookout for sales for these kind of pieces. And who knew that I could wear that difficult blue jean jacket with the difficult purple skirt! I definitely need to try cinching the skirt with a belt. I think that will work because the ruffly look above the belt will be mirrored by that ruffle that is already on the skirt. (Perhaps I could get my famous mom in on the scene and actually take up the skirt too now that I know how to wear it!)
Thank you SO much for the help! I feel very privileged to have a personal stylist!!

k said...

I looove the night out on the town look with the leather jacket!

Anonymous said...

SOOOOO fun! Go, Molly, Go! Absolutely perfect.

Charlotte said...

What a fun challenge! I am definitely going to have to submit something so you can "Stacy and Clinton"-esque me! I love all the suggestions you gave Olivia, but especially the black jacket for out on the town... totally cool.

Can't wait to see more suggestions!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I think it would look so adorable with that jean jacket!

Kileen said...

i love the floral top suggestion for the skirt!! it's such a fun spring outfit and i love the beautiful colors!

cute and little
come join the Color Brigade!

Ima said...

This is such a great post. It's nice to know that you're posting something to help people :)

Cherisse said...

I love the stockings and the leather jacket! great post! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Great idea, Molly and I love what you have come up with. Hard to believe that this talent has stemmed from you uniform wearing days!!
Love ya, MOM